vacillate

[ˈvæsəleɪt]

vacillate Definition

• 1. to keep changing your opinion or thoughts about something, especially in a way that annoys other people
• 2. to sway unsteadily; waver; totter; stagger

Using vacillate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vacillate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He vacillated between accepting the job and turning it down.

• Example

  The president has been criticized for vacillating on key issues.

• Example

  She vacillated for weeks before finally making a decision.

• Example

  The candle flame vacillated in the breeze.

vacillate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for vacillate

• waver
• fluctuate
• oscillate
• dither
• hesitate

Antonyms for vacillate

• decide
• determine
• settle

Phrases with vacillate

• vacillate between

  to alternate or waver between two choices or opinions

  Example

  She vacillated between staying in her current job and pursuing a new career.

• vacillate on

  to be indecisive or uncertain about a particular issue or decision

  Example

  The politician has been known to vacillate on important policy matters.

• vacillate over

  to be undecided or hesitant about something

  Example

  He vacillated over whether to attend the party or stay home.

Origins of vacillate

from Latin 'vacillare', meaning 'to sway, oscillate'

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Summary: vacillate in Brief

The verb 'vacillate' [ˈvæsəleɪt] means to change one's opinion or thoughts about something, often annoying others. It can also mean to sway unsteadily. Examples include 'He vacillated between accepting the job and turning it down.' and 'The candle flame vacillated in the breeze.' 'Vacillate' is often used with prepositions like 'between,' 'on,' and 'over.'